These supplements could help the guys in your life nail that wedding toast and work out harder, according to recent studies.
Know any men who are looking for ways to gain a performance edge? Pass along these scientific snippets on nutrients of interest.
1. CBD
A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 57 men found that 300 mg of CBD (cannabidiol) taken before making a speech significantly reduced how anxious they felt while they were standing up there talking. However, when the men took a lower (150 mg) or higher (600 mg) dose of CBD, there was no significant effect on their speech-induced anxiety. This points to the need for more studies to determine the best CBD doses for different health concerns, wrote the study authors.
2. Protein
Muscles need the amino acids in protein to build and regenerate. In a recent randomized study,
18 young men not currently involved in a physical training program received either a placebo or a 25 g mixed protein supplement for 12 weeks. They were also enrolled in a resistance training program.
Tests were conducted before and after for body composition, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, lipid levels, and muscle function. Compared to the placebo group, the protein group saw improvements in C-reactive protein levels (an inflammatory marker), as well as in muscle function.
3. Chlorella
A green alga that contains high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, chlorella was recently shown to improve VO2 max in healthy young men when taken in supplement form. VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen that someone can use during intense exercise—basically a measure of their aerobic fitness.
4. Beet juice
Supplementing with beet juice effectively increases levels of nitric oxide in the blood, which promotes cardiovascular and respiratory health. A recent study involving 15 physically trained men who worked out intensely after drinking 2.4 oz of either beet juice or a placebo beverage found that those who drank beet juice attained peak power faster and had higher average power levels than the placebo group.
5. Ginkgo biloba
Rich in protective plant chemicals, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is often used to support cognitive and physical function. In one recent study, physically active young men randomly received either a placebo or 160 mg daily of gingko to test the extract’s impact on various physiological factors.
At the end of six weeks, supplementing with gingko was found to generate some improvement in endurance markers like aerobic performance and blood antioxidant capacity (compared to placebo).
Visit your local health food store for more supplements to support men’s optimal health and performance.
